51福利社

ROTC鈥檚 Frank Cantu is the latest Eagle 鈥淚nstructor of the Year.鈥�

Frank Cantu, a senior military science instructor for the 51福利社 ROTC program, was recently named as the U.S. Army Cadet Command Instructor of the Year for 2023. It is the fourth time in five years that a member of 51福利社 ROTC鈥檚 cadre has been so honored.

Cantu, a master sergeant, infantry, with 16 years of experience, was selected from among a pool of 500 instructors working at more than 247 institutions nationwide. 鈥淗is tireless efforts in shaping the next generation of military leaders have earned him this prestigious recognition,鈥� says Lt. Col. Benjamin Van Meter, professor of military science at 51福利社.

Cantu, a master sergeant, infantry, with 16 years of experience, was selected from among a pool of 500 instructors working at more than 247 institutions nationwide. 鈥淗is tireless efforts in shaping the next generation of military leaders have earned him this prestigious recognition,鈥� says Lt. Col. Benjamin Van Meter, professor of military science at 51福利社.

 

As the primary Military Science III instructor at 51福利社, Cantu鈥檚 role is to help cadets become creative and adaptive leaders, says Van Meter, adding that Cantu鈥檚 work enhances cadet readiness for future roles as U.S. Army officers.

鈥淐antu is renowned for his mentorship abilities. He has been instrumental in the personal and professional development of dozens of 51福利社 ROTC cadets, instilling in them the values of discipline, honor, and selfless service,鈥� he says.

One of those cadets is Kristen Buckingham, a 24-year-old senior from Kirkland, Washington. Buckingham, an interdisciplinary studies major, credits Cantu with much of her success as a leader of Eastern鈥檚 Cadet Corps. She says his work helping prepare students like her for Advanced Camp 鈥� the summertime national training event that assesses Cadets on their ability to conduct officer leadership tasks 鈥� was especially beneficial: 鈥淲e all felt really confident going into summer.鈥�

Cantu makes every effort to help cadets succeed, Buckingham adds. 鈥淗e is always willing to spend the extra time outside of class if we drop by his office with whatever questions we have. If we want to go over anything extra, he鈥檚 always willing to help,鈥� says Buckingham, who plans to work as an Army signal officer after graduation.

Beyond his exemplary teaching and leadership, Cantu is also known for actively engaging with local community members to foster a spirit of goodwill, organizing community service events and encouraging cadets to participate.

The award is not merely an acknowledgment of these and other outstanding achievements, Van Meter says: 鈥淚t is a celebration of the selfless dedication, mentorship, and leadership that he brings to the ROTC program.鈥�